8% of Israel’s adult Jews have visited Rabbi Nachman’s grave in Uman — Jerusalem Post
In Uman, Ukraine, 8% of Israel’s adult Jews have visited the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav at least once in their lives. The Israel Democracy Institute collected these data in July and August 2026 and plans to publish the full study in the coming months.
The Jerusalem Post reports on the study’s findings. Uman, in central Ukraine, is the burial place of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, the founder of the Bratslav Hasidic movement, who lived from 1772 to 1810.
How often pilgrims return to Uman
Among respondents who had already been to Uman, nearly half said they return there once every few years. Another 22.5% said they visit the city at least once a year.
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Israeli pilgrims make up the largest group of visitors to Uman during Rosh Hashanah. Every year, tens of thousands of Israelis come to the city. Some travel in organized groups that handle visas, accommodation and logistics and coordinate security and support issues with Ukrainian authorities and local volunteers.
Differences by origin and gender
According to the survey, 13% of Mizrahi Jews, 5% of Ashkenazi Jews and 4% of respondents of mixed ethnic origin had visited Rabbi Nachman’s grave.
Among women who had been to Uman, only 23% visited the grave during Rosh Hashanah, while the rest came at another time of year. Bratslav Hasidim traditionally spend Rosh Hashanah near Rabbi Nachman’s grave. The pilgrimages continue despite the war that the Russian Federation, an aggressor state, is waging against Ukraine and the security risks associated with travel.
